







In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
| Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
| Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
| Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
| Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
| Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
| Present simple example sentences | |
|---|---|
| I didn't know that, I hope it's not a big problem for him. | |
| The place I am having the meeting is very close to Brighton Pier. | |
| I want to try the sauvignon blanc. | |
| 5 bedroom detached house on Lyme Street, £2,800, is that right? | |
| Does that help you to believe me? | |
| He is a Chow Chow. | |
| Right! Who wants chardonnay, then? | |
| Yes, I'm here waiting for good news. | |
| This is my boyfriend, Mike. | |
| Look, you can watch the sunset best from this point. | |
| Also, I think we all need to leave soon. | |
| Is there anything else I can do for you, love? | |
| Is it Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus? | |
| See you Mike, hope to see you again. | |
| Where is Flora, isn't she here? | |
| No she is a very cute, easygoing and friendly girl. | |
| Sorry, I forgot to tell you, you need to turn the tap on very gently. | |
| Yes, that's okay, we are just about to leave. | |
| Erm, I can't work it out, I guess it's more than 150 years old. | |
| Umm, oh yes, I can see it now, the ad number is 9845... | |